City proposes an ordinance for homeless camps

City Council is considering an ordinance to allow temporary
tent cities on property owned by religious organizations.

The city’s insurer, Washington Cities Insurance Authority,
suggested city officials have regulations on tent cities since a
church sued the city of Woodinville for not providing a permit for
a temporary homeless camp in 2006. The church said the city was
violating its first amendment right to free exercise of religion,
and won the lawsuit.

Bainbridge Island’s proposed ordinance would allow camps for up
to 92 days with a permit and require campers be over the age of 18.
No drugs, alcohol or open flames would be allowed. The number of
campers would be limited to 100.

A “ sight-obscuring fence” could be required around the camp
unless there is “sufficient vegetation, topographic variation, or
other site conditions,” according to the proposed ordinance.